Sunday, August 28, 2016
Hell or High Water
“Hell or
High Water” was directed by David Mackenzie and written by Taylor Sheridan.
Disguised as a western this is really a contemporary chase film whose
underlying subject and message could have been written by a Bernie Sanders
speech writer. The film stars Chris Pine and Ben Foster who portray two
brothers seeking revenge and retribution from the Texas bank that has foreclosed
on their family home while Jeff Bridges (playing the same character as he did
in “True Grit” and “Crazy Love”) is the Texas Ranger on the trail of these
angry young men. The director and cinema photographer more than adequately capture and depict the mood
and lifestyle of Western Texas and of those who reside there. The film does,
however, raise serious questions as to the morality of the times and how far a
person or group, believing he or they have been wronged, can or should go in order to seek his or
their perception of “justice”. Although
most critics have literally raved about this film, it falls short of that kind
of an accolade but it is nevertheless a movie to see and enjoy and, for that
reason, I give it 3 stars.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
“Hunt for
the Wilderpeople” is a New Zealand film directed by Taika Waittiti who also
wrote the screenplay based on the novel by Barry Crump. The film stars Julian
Dennison and Sam Neill and tells the story of an unwanted ward of the country’s
foster care system who, as an unloved teenager, finds his way into the lives
and hearts of one family. Enhanced by the beautiful scenery of the bush country
and the tremendous acting of both young master Dennison and Mr. Neill, the film
is an adventure, a comedy and a drama perhaps better suited for a movie of the week
on television. That notwithstanding, I give the film 3 stars because, when all
is said and done, I look back and consider that, by viewing it, I had a satisfying theatrical
experience.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Florence Foster Jenkins
Florence
Foster Jenkins" is a movie that stars Meryl Streep in the title role
ably supported by Hugh Grant as the husband of this socialite and
supporter of the arts who, although dedicated to music and to singing,
was more mocked than appreciated by those who heard her.
Enough cannot be said of Ms. Streep who portrays her character with grace and dignity amidst the jeers of her audiences and, through it all, evokes a compassion and sympathy to the viewer. A lesser actor could have made a comedic buffoon of her performance but this is, after all, Meryl Streep, and she strides the delicate balance between a comical and serious performance with the scalpel that only great artists can achieve. The film is based on the life of the real Florence Foster Jenkins. Hugh Grant, as her dedicated and loyal husband joins. Ms. Streep in receiving accolades for his sensitive portrayal as her enabling spouse and companion. Unfortunately, as with most films based on real events, the writer and director are tied to the facts, whether they be interesting or not. In this case, its hard to give this film too high a rating in spite of the fine acting performances because the plot is thin and much too simple. However, and because it represents an interesting and little known part of the world of music in the late 19th and mid 20th centuries, the film deserves to be seen and, for that reason, I give it 2 and ½ stars
Enough cannot be said of Ms. Streep who portrays her character with grace and dignity amidst the jeers of her audiences and, through it all, evokes a compassion and sympathy to the viewer. A lesser actor could have made a comedic buffoon of her performance but this is, after all, Meryl Streep, and she strides the delicate balance between a comical and serious performance with the scalpel that only great artists can achieve. The film is based on the life of the real Florence Foster Jenkins. Hugh Grant, as her dedicated and loyal husband joins. Ms. Streep in receiving accolades for his sensitive portrayal as her enabling spouse and companion. Unfortunately, as with most films based on real events, the writer and director are tied to the facts, whether they be interesting or not. In this case, its hard to give this film too high a rating in spite of the fine acting performances because the plot is thin and much too simple. However, and because it represents an interesting and little known part of the world of music in the late 19th and mid 20th centuries, the film deserves to be seen and, for that reason, I give it 2 and ½ stars
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